IT'S THE FA'S FAULT

Wayne Rooney has blamed the FA for his poor form this season after being given a ban for his sending off in Amsterdam.

"It was hard to take," explained Rooney to the Daily Mirror.

"The FA made their decision and it was very nice of them to support me with a three-game ban. Four, if you think that I missed the Ajax friendly too.

"I don't want to say too much, but I didn't even think it was a red card, so I was devastated about it, especially because the start to the season is so important.

"What made it worse was that my United ban meant I missed a month of football."

Meanwhile Peter Crouch thinks Rooney's form could benefit from the international games.

"I think at times when it is not going for you at club level or what have you it is nice to get away for a fresh start again and he has looked lively in training and I'm sure he will be right come the game."

However it didn't stop him moaning about Rooney possibly taking his place in the team.

"I'm not sure, if the manager is saying that [Rooney is an automatic choice], I think maybe for this game it could be [disheartening]," Crouch added.